Solid Suits for Men

Why does a solid suit expose every fitting flaw that patterns hide?

Stripes, checks, and herringbone create visual noise that tricks the eye — they break up the silhouette and camouflage imperfections. A solid suit has none of that. Every pull at the shoulder, every bunch at the waist, every gap at the collar is visible at a glance. That's why off-the-rack solid suits often look worse than patterned ones in the same size. Made-to-measure eliminates those flaws entirely. When Hockerty builds your solid suit to your exact measurements, the clean fabric drapes exactly where it should — nothing to hide, nothing to fix.

Is a solid suit actually more versatile or is that just something people say?

It's not a cliché — it's math. A solid navy suit pairs with virtually any shirt, tie, and shoe combination you own. Add a patterned tie and it works for the office. Swap to an open collar and it's dinner-ready. Throw on a turtleneck and it's smart-casual. A checked or striped suit limits your options because the pattern has to coordinate with everything else you're wearing. Solid suits don't compete — they adapt. That's why every capsule wardrobe starts with one.

What's the one solid suit colour that works for literally everything?

Navy. It works for job interviews, weddings, funerals, client meetings, first dates, and Friday nights. It photographs well, flatters every skin tone, and reads formal without being severe the way black does. If you already own navy, your second should be charcoal gray — it covers the same range with a different mood. After those two, medium gray opens up lighter styling options. Three solid suits in those colors and you're covered for 95% of situations that require a suit.

How do you keep a solid suit from looking boring or forgettable?

The details. A solid suit is a canvas — it invites you to add personality through texture and accessories. Choose a fabric with subtle texture: a flannel, a hopsack weave, or a slightly brushed wool. Then layer interest with a patterned shirt, textured tie, or contrasting pocket square. At Hockerty, you also customise the lapel style, button choice, lining colour, and pocket design. A solid navy suit with peak lapels and a burgundy lining isn't boring — it's confident.

Should your first custom suit be solid or patterned?

Solid. Always solid first. A patterned suit is a statement piece — it works in specific contexts but sits idle the rest of the time. A solid suit works everywhere and pairs with everything already in your closet. You'll wear it ten times before you'd wear a checked suit twice. Once you have your foundation solid suits covered (navy, gray, or both), then branch out to pinstripes, windowpane, or checks with confidence knowing you have the basics handled.

Can you dress a solid suit up for a wedding and down for a casual Friday?

That's precisely the point. A well-fitted solid suit with a crisp white shirt and tie is wedding-appropriate. The same suit with a crew-neck sweater and no tie is smart-casual perfection. Remove the jacket and you have dressed-up separates for a Friday lunch. The key is fabric weight — a mid-weight wool works year-round and moves between formality levels effortlessly. Hockerty offers seasonal and year-round fabrics so you can pick the weight that matches how you actually live.